In the 1990s Spyderco was approached by a specialized branch of U.S. law enforcement about making a knife for their undercover agents. These plain-clothed Law Enforcement Officers found themselves in situations where they often could not carry a firearm but carrying a knife was not a problem. Most had no formal training in self-defense tactics or MBC (Martial Blade Craft) but as a last resort could use a blade to protect or extricate themselves from a life-threatening situation. This was how the Civilian model came to be. The Civilian has a patented reverse "S" blade that's intended to be used like an oversized claw. The tip is ground to an ultra-thin profile. Because of its distinctly specialized features it is not intended or designed for general utility or everyday use. One of the most specialized CLIPITS in the Spyderco line-up, the Civilian is available in limited quantities.

The blade of the LionSpy is ground from premium Elmax PM 170 steel. A third-generation powdered metallurgy steel from Austria's Bohler-Uddeholm, Elmax boasts high carbon and chromium contents and an extra-fine grain structure that provides extreme edge holding and rust resistance. The blade is 4.5mm thick, but features a high flat grind and a pronounced belly for superior edge geometry and cutting performance. It proudly wears Spyderco®'s Trademark Round Hole for positive blade deployment, even while wearing gloves. The lock features Gianni Pauletta's patented RotoLock device. This titanium disk serves as an overtravel stop for the lock bar, preventing it from being pushed too far when the lock is released. When the knife is open, turning the RotoLock about 1/8 turn clockwise wedges the lock bar in place, preventing accidental release of the lock and ensuring superior stability during heavy cutting chores. To close the knife, rotate the disk counterclockwise and push the lock bar laterally to unlock the blade. A unique collaboration that manifests in the form of a superb hard-use folding knife that will serve you for years to come.

Many of us buy small gentlemen's knives assuming we'll use them for undemanding cutting chores. While that is normally the case, the Dragonfly's diminutive size belies its cutting capabilities. When need be, it will cut and perform like a much larger folder. In order for the knife to feel like a larger knife in the hand, it needed well-designed ergonomics. A forefinger-choil and thumb-rest give the hand purchase points, filling out the palm and offering cutting control. Low profiled and weighing just over one ounce, the Dragonfly is one of the flagship models in Spyderco's Little Big Guy Knife line up.

A big myth in the knife world is that out there somewhere is a knife that seriously cuts but cannot rust. Knives claiming these super powers are usually made with steels that are unable to hold a cutting edge for any measurable amount of time. Finally a steel foundry in Japan called Myodo Foundry makes this myth a reality with the introduction of a new steel called H1. H1 steel is a PH steel, meaning it is a precipitation-hardened steel. "Huh" you ask? Utilizing .1% nitrogen instead of carbon to harden the steel, it reaches a Rockwell hardness of 57-58RC. Spyderco® uses H1 on its new C91 Pacific Salt model.

The BY23 byrd Tern is a non-locking folder. Folding knives with blades that don't lock open are in many cases the only legal-carry pocketknife option in countries and cities where restrictions have been adopted forbidding carrying folding knives with locking blades. As more counties enact strict knife laws, the concept of non-locking knives continues gaining momentum.

Why do knife companies apply animal-like names and descriptions to their knives? In our defense, the Spyderco® round hole and super sharp edge are reminiscent of eyes and claws. Think cats. Cats represent a highly developed level of predatory resourcefulness, sleek sharp claws and efficiency. The C129G Cat CLIPIT has a leaf-shaped 440C blade just under two-and-a-half inches in length that is flat-ground for hair popping sharpness. This cat is unique. They aimed for a high pinnacle of cutting adeptness but demanded it be polished and sophisticated in appearance. So, combining cat-claw sharpness with a G-10 handle and a Michael Walker LinerLock®. The black G-10 handle is shaped and sized ergonomically with full-length skeletonized liners inside for strength without bulky weight. A deep silhouette wire clip burrows the knife down deeply in a pant's pocket with the tip facing up ready to carry left- or right-handed. We believe the name is appropriate and think you might too.

The Techno falls into Spyderco®'s Little Big Knives category; meaning it has a smaller blade and handle, paired with a hard-duty locking mechanism, exotic blade steel and vault-like construction found primarily on hard-use, larger knives. Spyderco's first collaboration with Mr. Slysz, the Techno is also the first main-line production Spyderco CLIPIT to use Carpenter's Steel CTS-XHP. Knife steel metallurgists refer to CTS-XHP as having the steel properties and hardness of D2 carbon tool steel but with the added advantage of chromium to classify it as a powdered stainless steel

The Nilakka was designed by award-winning Finnish knifemaker Pekka Tuominen. Tuominen is one of the world's most knowledgeable experts on the traditional Finnish puukko knife and one of only seven puukkoseppamestari, or master bladesmiths certified by the Finnish Ministry of Education. He is an expert at all aspects of bladesmithing and knifemaking and takes great pride in personally crafting every detail of his knives and sheaths. He is also a winner of numerous puukko-making competitions and a member of both the Scandinavian Knifemaker's Guild and the Finnish Knife Association. Spyderco® is honored to work with this incredibly talented craftsman and to share his designs through their products. The Nilakka is the result of Spyderco's longstanding quest to translate the traditional Finnish puukko to a modern folding knife. In the spirit of the other knives in Spyderco's Ethnic Series—and based on the success of Tuominen's FB28 fixed-blade Puukko design—Spyderco asked him to express the critical qualities of the classic puukko in a folder. Through a collaborative exchange and a number of prototype revisions, the knife gradually evolved into its final form.

The handle design of the Cricket was inspired by two different concepts. The first was a river rock—a smooth, oval shape polished to perfection by the forces of nature. The other, which is most apparent when the knife is closed, is the Yin-Yang,—the classic symbol of the duality of nature that is a core element of Asian philosophy. All of these elements combined to make the Cricket an incredibly compact, convenient, and easy-to-carry tool that offers an exceptional balance of cutting performance and precision. In 2012, Spyderco® continued the evolution of the Cricket family by introducing aversion featuring their dramatic Nishijin glass fiber handle scales. This handsome knife not only gave established Cricket fans a reason to rejoice, but has attracted many new aficionados of the design.